Reading Resolutions for children in 2026
It’s the National Year of Reading in 2026. A year focused on promoting a love of books and inspiring children (and adults too!) to integrate reading into their every day lives. We want to create life-long readers, who approach stories with enthusiasm and interest.
Why does reading matter?
The benefits of reading have long been noted and are widely understood, with positives including:
- Increased academic achievement
- Stronger mental health and wellbeing
- Better relationships, especially when children continue to read with key adults
- Stress reduction
- Improved vocabulary and understanding of the world
We know this to be true. Schools are already wonderful places filled with books and staff who actively encourage children to get reading. Yet so many children still do not read for pleasure and do not own books at home. So, we have to make reading as easy to possible; making it accessible, engaging and fun.
Fun and achievable reading goals for children
An easy win for educators is to set reading resolutions for the coming year. These should be quickly achievable, giving small confidence boosts straight away.
Longer term goals or differentiated ideas can also be implemented, especially where these will be positive motivators for children.
We have collected some examples here:
- Try a new genre
- Read in an unusual place (e.g. the playground, at lunch etc)
- Write a book review
- Start a book club
- Read with somebody new (e.g. a grandparent, cousin, friend, a child from an older class)
- Read aloud in front of a group
- Read 5 books independently
- Read a poetry book
- Recommend a book to a friend
Most importantly, these goals or resolutions should be enjoyable! You could even involve children in creating their own.
Celebrating children’s reading progress
Tracking children’s reading progress is part of the process of teaching and learning, but for this we recommend focusing on celebrating and rewarding. Use stickers, prize boxes, extra playtimes…whatever your school would usually use to drum up excitement and get children involved. No progress tracker sheets required!
Download our free poster
Get started with your class’s reading for pleasure goals with this free poster! Download now.
New-Years-Reading-Resolutions-2026About The Story Project
The Story Project is a not-for-profit organisations dedicated to using the magic of stories to inspire life long well being.
Our teacher-crafted PSHE primary programme uses popular children’s books to teach all the statutory RSHE requirements (July 2025). Fully resourced and research backed, the curriculum improves children’s emotional literacy, increases wellbeing skills and supports better engagement with sensitive topics.
